Quick Growing Facts

When & Where to Grow Cilantro

Cilantro loves cool weather and short days. It grows best in spring and fall, and tends to bolt (flower and go to seed) quickly in hot summer conditions.

• Spring sowing: Direct sow outdoors 2–4 weeks before your last expected frost, once soil can be worked.
• Fall sowing: Sow in late summer or early fall for cool-season harvests where autumns are mild.
• Location: Choose full sun in cool weather or light afternoon shade in hot climates.
• Best spots: Herb beds, vegetable beds, raised beds, and deep containers near the kitchen door.

Soil Preparation

Cilantro has a taproot and prefers loose, well-drained soil with steady moisture. Good soil prep helps reduce stress and bolting.

• Loosen the top 8–10 in (20–25 cm) of soil and remove stones, roots, and weeds.
• Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to add fertility and improve moisture retention.
• Avoid very heavy clay; improve drainage with organic matter if soil tends to stay soggy.
• Overly rich nitrogen fertilizers may encourage lush growth that bolts faster; moderate fertility is best.

How to Sow Cilantro Seeds Outdoors

Cilantro dislikes transplanting, so direct sowing is usually the easiest and most reliable method.

1. Prepare the bed: Rake the soil surface smooth and level after loosening and amending.
2. Crack the seed (optional): Cilantro “seeds” are actually two seeds in one husk. Gently rolling them between your fingers or in a towel can improve germination, but don’t crush them completely.
3. Sowing depth: Sow seeds about 1/4–1/2 in (0.6–1.2 cm) deep.
4. Row spacing: Space rows 12–18 in (30–45 cm) apart.
5. Seed spacing: Place seeds every 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm); you will thin later.
6. Cover & firm: Lightly cover with soil and gently firm to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
7. Water: Water gently but thoroughly to keep the top layer evenly moist while seeds germinate.

Once seedlings are 2–3 in (5–7 cm) tall, thin them to 6–8 in (15–20 cm) apart to give each plant room to form a nice leafy rosette.

Starting Cilantro Indoors (Limited Use)

You can start cilantro indoors, but it doesn’t like its roots disturbed. Use deeper pots and transplant carefully as small clumps.

• Sow 3–4 weeks before your last expected frost date.
• Use cell trays or small deep pots with a well-draining seed-starting mix.
• Sow several seeds per cell (you can transplant as a small group rather than separating each seedling).
• Cover about 1/4 in (0.6 cm) deep, keep evenly moist, and maintain temperatures around 60–70°F (15–21°C).
• Provide bright light from a sunny window or grow lights to prevent leggy growth.
• Transplant outdoors carefully once danger of hard frost has passed, taking care not to damage the taproots.

Watering & Feeding

Steady moisture and moderate fertility help cilantro grow quickly and stay leafy longer before bolting.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during germination and early growth. Avoid letting soil dry out completely between waterings.
• Mulch: A thin layer of compost or fine mulch helps regulate soil moisture and temperature.
• Feeding: If soil is poor, use a light application of balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea once or twice during the season.

Plant Care & Maintenance

• Weeding: Keep the bed weed-free, especially while seedlings are small.
• Bolting: Hot weather and long days cause cilantro to bolt. Plant early in spring, again in late summer, and provide light shade in hot climates.
• Succession sowing: For a continuous supply, sow small patches every 2–3 weeks during cool seasons.
• Container growing: Cilantro does well in deep pots; just keep the soil cool, moist, and well-drained.

Pests & Diseases

Cilantro is usually low-maintenance, but a few pests and diseases can occasionally appear.

• Aphids: May cluster on tender stems and flower stalks. Rinse off with water or treat with organic insecticidal soap if necessary.
• Leaf spots & mildew: Good spacing, avoiding overhead watering late in the day, and picking older leaves regularly help prevent fungal issues.
• Root problems: Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions that can cause rot.

Harvesting Cilantro Leaves & Coriander Seeds

Harvesting Leaves (Cilantro)

• Begin harvesting baby leaves when plants are 4–6 in (10–15 cm) tall, about 3–4 weeks after sowing.
• Cut outer leaves or small bunches at the base, leaving the center to continue growing.
• For “cut-and-come-again” harvests, shear plants a few inches above the soil; allow them to regrow.
• Harvest in the cool of the morning for the best flavor. Use fresh whenever possible — cilantro doesn’t dry well.

Harvesting Seeds (Coriander)

• Allow some plants to bolt and produce umbrella-like flower heads.
• Green seeds have a fresh, citrusy flavor and can be harvested soft for immediate use.
• For dry coriander seed, wait until seed heads turn tan-brown and seeds are firm.
• Cut seed heads on a dry day and place them upside down in a paper bag or over a tray to finish drying.
• Rub or shake to release seeds, then store in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place.

Saving Cilantro Seed for Replanting

Saving coriander seed for next season is simple and rewarding.

• Select healthy, vigorous plants to go to seed.
• Dry seed heads thoroughly in a warm, airy, shaded location.
• Remove any remaining chaff and store seeds in a labeled, airtight container.
• Keep in a cool, dry, dark place until sowing time next season.

How to Use Cilantro & Coriander in the Kitchen & Garden

• Fresh cilantro: Add to salsas, guacamole, curries, chutneys, salads, soups, and tacos just before serving.
• Coriander seed: Use whole or ground in spice blends, rubs, pickles, baked goods, and marinades.
• Container herb: Grow in pots on patios, balconies, or near the kitchen for quick harvests.
• Pollinator-friendly: The airy white flowers attract beneficial insects when allowed to bloom.

Tips for Success

• Plan cilantro as a cool-season crop — grow in spring and fall rather than midsummer heat.
• Use succession sowing for a steady supply of fresh leaves.
• Keep soil consistently moist and slightly cool to delay bolting.
• Harvest leaves regularly; once plants bolt, focus on coriander seed production.
• Try growing a few plants just for leaves and a separate patch that you allow to go to seed.

Note: Growing conditions vary by region. Adjust sowing times, shade, and watering to match your local climate and weather patterns.